Hungary: a strike of engine drivers to protest against the restructuring of the railway sector

On 22 July 2007 the Ministry of Economy and Transport (GKM) and the Union of Engine-Drivers signed an agreement on the improvement of the safety conditions in railway traffic and on the amendment or enactment of governmental regulations regarding the employment of engine-drivers. According to the agreement the government had to inform the trade union about the proposed measures in due time. After the information was leaked that the government is planning to terminate 21 lines putting into risk the employment of at least 100 engine drivers, MOSZ organized a token strike on the 25 of October 2007. The trade union claimed that the government has failed to inform and consult them according to the agreement before this proposal which can undermine the job security of the workers in the relevant sector. The strike concerned more than 600 passenger trains, around 20 % of the total number of lines of the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV). The trade union claimed that the strike was a ‚real success’ whereas the government argued that it was unreasonable and suggested to go back to negotiations. János Borsik, the executive director of MOSZ, stated that the trade union is not planning further strikes because they are already preparing for the forthcoming wage negotiations. On the basis of an impact assessment concerning 64 lines with low overturn, the government proposed in a public consultation document the termination of 38 lines and held a civil forum on the same day. At the forum local governmental associations and social partners discussed the proposal. The consultation takes place until 7 November 2007.